This wharf is operated by Tasman District Council as part of the roading network. There is a sealed boat ramp for small trailer boats at the end of Green Tree Road.
No wharf fees are applicable at the Riwaka Wharf. Note that vessels lying alongside are likely to settle on the bottom at low tide.
The approaches are winding, narrow and shallow over extensive sand and mud flats, and are dry at some points at spring low tide. There is a series of informal pole markers. These are maintained by the local boating community, and should not be relied upon for navigation without local knowledge.
The leading light beacons (NZ Light List 4210 and 4210.1) were decommissioned and removed in May 2012.
A lit green conical buoy has been installed seaward of the shelf, on the line of the former leads. This mark is intended as a fairway buoy for vessels travelling in the conventional direction of buoyage (i.e clockwise around the south island). The green light is on for 2 seconds, then off for 2 seconds during darkness.
The Riwaka fairway buoy can be used as a landfall mark for Riwaka. From the fairway buoy, an informal local mark (mussel float) lies 0.71NM inshore on a bearing of 212°M. From there a series of informal marker poles can be followed into Riwaka. Approach to the buoy, and subsequent approaches to wharf and ramp, can usually only be navigated towards the top of high tide by most recreational vessels.
| Type | Light | Latitude (WGS84) | Longitude (WGS84) | Council Structure ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Starboard lateral buoy (Riwaka Fairway) |
Iso G 4s 1.3m 2NM |
41°03.780 |
173°02.389 |
CST-1306 |
